Unit Secretary Health Unit Coordinator Surgical Care Center Full Time Days

Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital; Winfield (IL); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in healthcare is seeking a dedicated Unit Secretary Health Unit Coordinator to join their Surgical Care Center team. This role is pivotal in managing unit-based reception and clerical functions while ensuring efficient communication between patients, families, and staff. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional customer service skills, a calm demeanor in emergency situations, and the ability to handle multiple tasks effectively. Join a forward-thinking organization that values teamwork, professional development, and a commitment to quality patient care. Your contributions will directly impact the patient experience in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Effective communication skills in English, both verbal and written.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a friendly, professional demeanor and provide accurate information.
• Assist patients and visitors with directions and information.
• Coordinate work with the Manager and Charge Nurse.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Customer service skills

Basic computer knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or GED equivalent

Job description

Unit Secretary Health Unit Coordinator Surgical Care Center Full Time Days

Join us to apply for the Unit Secretary Health Unit Coordinator Surgical Care Center Full Time Days role at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital.

Position Overview

The Health Unit Coordinator reflects the mission, vision, and values of NMHC, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and regulatory and accreditation standards.

This role performs unit-based reception, clerical, medical record, and patient registration functions. The Coordinator is capable of setting priorities and handling emergency situations calmly and efficiently.

The Coordinator is customer-oriented, able to communicate effectively with staff, patients, and families, and serves as a liaison between patient care units and other departments. They manage the overall unit workflow in coordination with the charge RN and/or assistant manager.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a friendly, professional demeanor and appearance.
• Provide accurate information and timely updates to patients and customers.
• Address questions and concerns promptly or direct to appropriate personnel.
• Assist patients and visitors with directions and information.
• Utilize effective service recovery skills to resolve issues.
• Demonstrate teamwork and communicate effectively across departments.
• Use resources efficiently and manage work schedules to complete tasks timely.
• Participate in continuous improvement and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Coordinate work with the Manager and Charge Nurse, and communicate clearly with all team members.
• Retrieve and review lab results, and bring them to the nurse's attention.
• Interact professionally with patients and families, providing explanations and reassurance.
• Prepare and disassemble medical records for admissions and discharges.
• Accurately transcribe and verify orders, ensuring timely medication and test processing.
• Engage in professional development and share knowledge gained from ongoing education.
• Demonstrate computer proficiency for order entry, documentation, and results management.
• Operate equipment safely and correctly, and adapt to stressful situations with flexibility and confidence.
• Answer phones, monitor unit cameras and intercom systems, and communicate effectively with staff and families.
• Prioritize and complete high-level, time-sensitive tasks efficiently.
• Monitor patient status in the computer system and correct discrepancies.
• Perform pre-census activities and validate daily admission, discharge, and census lists.
• Register patients in the computer system and conduct telephone screenings appropriately.
• Order supplies and print necessary forms for patient charts.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent
• Basic computer knowledge
• Effective communication skills in English, both verbal and written
• Ability to assess situations requiring interpreter services and utilize them effectively
• Excellent customer service skills

Preferred:

• One year of experience in a relevant clinical specialty

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.